agriculture, I deem it well to notice an informal meeting of several 

 members of the National Institute held on last Monday evening, the 

 object of their proceedings being matter of public interest, at which I 

 had the pleasure of being present. The readers of your columns will 

 probably remember that on the 23d of last month there was a large 

 meeting at the office of the Secretary of State, for the purpose of laying 

 before Congress and the public a statement of the present condition of 

 the National Institute, its operations, wants, and claims, arid of making 

 a strong appeal in its behalf for public patronage, aid, and support. 

 The subject, also, of the proposed general meeting, under the auspices 

 of the Institute, of scientific and literary men in this city next April was 

 also discussed, and the committee, already created for the purpose of 

 making the necessary arrangements for that interesting occasion, instructed 

 to take prompt and efficient steps to that effect. The meeting of Monday 

 last was therefore simply a reunion of that committee, with the addition 

 of several other gentlemen, members of the Institute. The Hon. John 

 Q,uincy Adams took the chair; and, after some brief but interesting re- 

 marks from that venerable gentleman, who is ever active when the 

 march of mind is in question, we were favored with several reflections 

 and suggestions by the Hon. Messrs. Choate, Spencer, and J. R. Inger- 

 soll, and Colonels Abert and Totten, on the subject of those arrange- 

 ments. I have, therefore, the pleasure to inform the public that there 

 is every probability a large and respectable gathering of learned and in- 

 genious men will take place in this city in the month already mention- 

 ed, and that the discourses, lectures, and proceedings on that occasion 

 will prove of general interest throughout the country. I need scarcely 

 dwell upon the good effects which must ensue from this communion of 

 minds, and reunion of public spirited citizens for such good and salu- 

 tary objects. I need scarcely observe how much it is to be desired that 

 those who devote themselves to intellectual pursuits should become ac- 

 quainted with each other, and compare notes, so that, from this mental 

 friction, light may be struck for the benefit of the Republic, and a spirit 

 of honorable emulation be aroused and encouraged. The citizens of 

 this District, members of Congress, and those who are sojourners 

 amongst us, or transient visitors ought to feel much gratified at the an- 

 nouncement of this proposed scientific reunion. There is no place in 

 this country which affords greater advantages, in proportion to its size, 

 for men such as those who are especially invited to attend no city 

 where a week or so can be spent with more pleasure and profit than 

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